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MUS Courses

MUS100 - Introductory Music Symposium (0 or 1 cr.)

An overview of the B.A. in Music and Music Concentration (Education) at SUNY Plattsburgh and a broader look at the field of music. Students will be introduced to the music program through a series of presentations by music faculty and guest lecturers. Topics include areas of expertise such as performance, composition, arranging, music technology, Alexander Technique, the business of music, music recording, music therapy, music management and working with non-profit organizations. Pass/Fail. Course required of Music Majors and Music Concentration (Education) students. (Fall). Liberal arts.

MUS101 - Introduction to the Alexander Technique (1 to 2 cr.)

The Alexander Technique is a method for improved ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination. Group and individual instruction in the principles and practice of the Alexander Technique. Designed to give students a practical introduction to the Technique with a view to applying it to both everyday tasks (e.g., walking, sitting, bending), back care, as well as more specialized activities within the disciplines of music, theatre and sports (e.g., playing a musical instrument, singing, theatre voice work, and running). (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts.

MUS110 - Music Appreciation (3 cr.)

This course provides an overview of the elements, periods, genres, masterworks, and personalities in Western art music from the Renaissance to the present. Attention is given to how music is reflective of its historical, social, and cultural context. (Fall/Spring/Summer). Liberal arts.

MUS111 - World Music (3 cr.)

This course examines a variety of world cultures, predominantly non-Western, and music styles associated with those cultures. Discussion will be based on a theory of "ethnic" vs. "folk" music; separate discussions will focus on art music of various cultures. Emphasis will be on how features of the history, institutions, society and culture influence the musical elements of the various music cultures studied. Rather than aspiring to comprehensive world coverage, this course will focus on several regional or national music cultures (such as those of Africa, the Middle East, or Japan), allowing more indepth consideration of music in the societies studied. Topics include musical making from a cultural perspective, elements of music, music as symbolic action, and the ethnographic context of music. Traditional folk, tribal and religious values will be discussed as pertinent to each culture. Discussion of the various social and cultural settings of these regions will be an important component of the course. (Fall/Spring).Liberal arts.

MUS112 - Jazz History (3 cr.)

Survey of jazz, from its roots in Africa through 19th century minstrelsy to late 20th century fusion of electronics, rock, and traditional elements. Rudiments of music such as notation, improvisation, rhythm, melody, harmony. Development of listening skills, identification of instruments, discussion of the various styles of jazz and the American society in which it has developed. (Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer). Liberal arts.

MUS113 - Music in Canadian Cultures (3 cr.)

Overview of music making in Canada from the seventeenth century to the present. Discussion of the cultural roles of these types of music in Canadian life. Examination of representative classical, folk, and popular works. Survey of basic elements of music, significant listening component. (Every Other Summer). Liberal arts.

MUS114 - American Pop: North and South (3 cr.)

Survey of the music that developed in the Americas in the twentieth century as a result of the syncretism of European and African culture. The course will cover music from North America, the Caribbean, and South America. Among the styles covered in the course are rhythm and blues, rock and roll, country western, hip-hop, salsa, and various musical genres from the Caribbean and South America. Development of listening skills, identification of instruments, discussion of the various styles and social settings of American, Afro-Caribbean, and South American music. (Annually). Liberal arts.

MUS115 - Musical Theatre (3 cr.)

A survey of representative works in the American musical theater, with emphasis on the interaction of musical and dramatic values. Musicals will be considered in relation to other performance traditions, and as a reflection of social and cultural trends and attitudes. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts.

MUS116 - Latin American and Caribbean Music (3 cr.)

This course examines a variety of Latin American and Caribbean music styles. The manner in which the African/European musical syncretism developed within a particular country will be emphasized in the course. Various traditional African tribal and religious values will be discussed when pertinent. Among the styles covered will be the Cuban son and rumba, the merengue of the Dominican Republic, Brazilian samba, Jamaican reggae, the soca and calypso of Trinidad, the tango of Argentina, and various styles of Mexican music. Latin and Caribbean music as it developed in North America as well as lesser-known but important styles such as the Haitian konpa-direct and the plena and bomba from Puerto Rico will also be addressed in this course. Discussion of the various social and cultural settings of Latin American and Caribbean countries will be an important component of the course. (Once/Twice Per Year). Liberals arts.

MUS119 - Introduction to Bluegrass Music (3 cr.)

An introduction to Bluegrass music with focus on the history, instruments, performers, preeminent bands, musical structure and songs of this indigenous American musical form. (Spring). Liberal arts.

MUS120 - Fundamental Musicianship (0 to 3 cr.)

A course in music fundamentals with emphasis on music reading and notation. Introduction to sightsinging, ear training, and keyboard skills. Option for proficiency exam (0 credits). (Fall/Spring/Summer). Liberal arts.

MUS126 - Aural Skills I (0 to 1 cr.)

An aural approach to the study of materials of music studied in Music Theory I, including scales, intervals, chord quality, melody, rhythm, harmonic function and form. Development of performance skills including ear training, sight singing, keyboard harmony, elementary conducting patterns, and rhythmic reading. Includes self study in aural skills using ear training computer software. Course is taken concurrently with Music Theory I. (Fall). Corequisite: MUS130. Prerequisite: MUS120.

MUS130 - Music Theory I (3 cr.)

The study of species counterpoint in two and three parts. These exercises in elementary composition form the foundation for future studies in the diatonic harmonic system. Introduction to music analysis. Lecture with Aural Skills I taken concurrently. Liberal arts. (Fall). Co-requisite: MUS126. Prerequisite: MUS120.

MUS131 - Applied Voice (1 to 2 cr.)

Individualized instruction to develop musicianship, technical facility, and knowledge of the standard repertoire. All students enrolled in instrumental or vocal instruction are required to: participate in a performing (with advisement from a music faculty member); attend periodic Music Performance Classes; perform as a soloist once each semester; serve as a concert volunteer once each semester; and attend five performances presented or sponsored by the Music Department. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS132 - Applied Voice (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS131. Liberal arts. Prerequisites: POI.

MUS141 - Applied String Instruments (title varies) (1 to 2 cr.)

Individualized instruction to develop musicianship, technical facility and knowledge of the standard repertoire. All students enrolled in instrumental or vocal instruction are required to: participate in a performing ensemble (with advisement from a music faculty member); attend periodic Music Performance Classes; perform as a soloist once each semester; serve as a concert volunteer once each semester; and attend five performances presented or sponsored by the Music Department. May take multiple sections concurrently. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS142 - Applied String Instruments (title varies) (1 to 2 cr.)

Individualized instruction to develop musicianship, technical facility and knowledge of the standard repertoire. All students enrolled in instrumental or vocal instruction are required to: participate in a performing ensemble (with advisement from a music faculty member); attend periodic Music Performance Classes; perform as a soloist once each semester; serve as a concert volunteer once each semester; and attend five performances presented or sponsored by the Music Department. May take multiple sections concurrently. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS151 - Applied Percussion (1 to 2 cr.)

Individualized instruction to develop musicianship, technical facility and knowledge of the standard repertoire. All students enrolled in instrumental or vocal instruction are required to: participate in a performing ensemble (with advisement from a music faculty member); attend periodic Music Performance Classes; perform as a soloist once each semester; serve as a concert volunteer once each semester; and attend five performances presented or sponsored by the Music Department. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS152 - Applied Percussion (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS151. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS161 - Applied Woodwind Instruments (title varies) (0 to 2 cr.)

Individualized instruction to develop musicianship, technical facility and knowledge of the standard repertoire. All students enrolled in instrumental or vocal instruction are required to: participate in a performing ensemble (with advisement from a music faculty member); attend periodic Music Performance Classes; perform as a soloist once each semester; serve as a concert volunteer once each semester; and attend five performances presented or sponsored by the Music Department. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS162 - Applied Woodwind Instruments (title varies) (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS161. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI

MUS171 - Applied Brass Instruments (title varies) (1 to 2 cr.)

Individualized instruction to develop musicianship, technical facility and knowledge of the standard repertoire. All students enrolled in instrumental or vocal instruction are required to: participate in a performing ensemble (with advisement from a music faculty member); attend periodic Music Performance Classes; perform as a soloist once each semester; serve as a concert volunteer once each semester; and attend five performances presented or sponsored by the Music Department. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS172 - Applied Brass Instruments (title varies) (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS171. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS181 - Applied Piano (1 to 2 cr.)

Individualized instruction to develop musicianship, technical facility and knowledge of the standard repertoire. All students enrolled in instrumental or vocal instruction are required to: participate in a performing ensemble (with advisement from a music faculty member); attend periodic Music Performance Classes; perform as a soloist once each semester; serve as a concert volunteer once each semester; and attend five performances presented or sponsored by the Music Department. May take multiple sections concurrently. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS182 - Applied Piano (1 to 2 cr.)

Individualized instruction to develop musicianship, technical facility and knowledge of the standard repertoire. All students enrolled in instrumental or vocal instruction are required to: participate in a performing ensemble (with advisement from a music faculty member); attend periodic Music Performance Classes; perform as a soloist once each semester; serve as a concert volunteer once each semester; and attend five performances presented or sponsored by the Music Department. May take multiple sections concurrently. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS191 - Applied Composition (title varies) (1 to 2 cr.)

Individual study of the techniques and materials of composing and arranging. Continuation of the projects and processes introduced in MUS323. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS192 - Applied Composition (title varies) (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS191. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS199 - Independent Study (1 to 15 cr.)

Project individually arranged by student and faculty sponsor. Requires completion of the Independent Study form and approval by the Faculty Sponsor, Academic Advisor, Department Chair and Academic Dean.

MUS226 - Aural Skills II (1 cr.)

A continuation of Aural Skills I, incorporating materials from Music Theory II, including further work in scales, intervals, chord quality, melody, rhythm, harmonic function and form. Further development of performance skills including ear training, sight singing, keyboard harmony, elementary conducting patterns, and rhythmic reading. Includes self study in aural skills using ear training computer software. Course is taken concurrently with Music Theory II. (Spring). Corequisite: MUS220. Prerequisite: MUS130.

MUS231 - Applied Voice (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS131. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS232 - Applied Voice (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS131. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS233 - Voice Class (3 cr.)

Group instruction in singing, designed to develop historical and technical knowledge of the instrument, elementary performance techniques, elementary ensemble performance, reading ability, and critical listening skills. Designed for all students. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts.

MUS241 - Applied String Instruments (title varies) (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS141. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS242 - Applied String Instruments (title varies) (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS141. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS251 - Applied Percussion (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS151. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS252 - Applied Percussion (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS151. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS261 - Applied Woodwind Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS161. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS262 - Applied Woodwind Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS161. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS271 - Applied Brass Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS171. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS272 - Applied Brass Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS171. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS281 - Applied Piano (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS181. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS282 - Applied Piano (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS181. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS283 - Piano Class (0 to 3 cr.)

Group instruction in piano, designed to develop historical and technical knowledge of the instrument, elementary performance techniques, elementary ensemble performance and reading ability. Designed for all students. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts.

MUS291 - Applied Composition (title varies) (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS191. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS292 - Applied Composition (title varies) (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS191. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS293 - Guitar Class (3 cr.)

Group instruction in guitar, designed to develop historical and technical knowledge of the instrument, elementary performance techniques, elementary ensemble performance and reading ability. Designed for all students. Student must supply own guitar. Liberal arts.

MUS299 - Independent Study (1 to 15 cr.)

Project individually arranged by student and faculty sponsor. Requires completion of the Independent Study form and approval by the Faculty Sponsor, Academic Advisor, Department Chair and Academic Dean.

MUS301 - History of Western Music: Antiquity - 1750 (3 cr.)

Study of style, form, genre, compositional techniques, representative composers and repertoire from Antiquity through the Baroque period. Attention is given to the relation of music to the culture and social institition of each era. Extra-class listening laboratory time assigned. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: any MUS110-116 and MUS220; or POI.

MUS302 - History of Western Music: 1750 - Present (3 cr.)

Study of style, form, genre, compositional techniques, representative composers, and repertoire from the Classic and Romantic periods through the Modern era. Attention is given to the relation of music to the culture and social institution of each period. Extra-class listening laboratory time assigned. Liberal arts. Prerequisites: any of MUS110-116 and MUS220; or POI.

MUS305 - Introduction to Music Technology (3 cr.)

A theoretical and hands-on introduction to music technology. Principles of digital audio and MIDI programming will be presented in a music technology studio environment. Various hardware platforms and software applications will be explored and a number of projects assigned. (Spring). Prerequisites: MUS120 or POI.

MUS310 - Topics in Music (3 cr.)

Selected topics in music for research and in-depth classroom discussion, service learning and/or interdisciplinary thinking by students. Topics change with each offering and will focus on such topics as major periods and genres of music (including extensive listening and score study), aesthetics, music technology and its applications, writing about music, music and literature, and music and film, among others. Multiple writing assignments with revisions throughout the semester. (Fall). Liberal arts. Approved AWR. Prerequisites: MUS220, and either MUS301 or MUS302, or POI.

MUS330 - Music Theory III (3 cr.)

Completion of the study of the tonal system, including uses of chromatic harmony in phrase construction and larger forms. Analysis of sonata-allegro, rondo, and variation forms. Lecture with Aural Skills III taken concurrently. Liberal arts. (Fall/Spring). Co-requisite: MUS326. Prerequisite: MUS230.

MUS331 - Applied Voice (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS131. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS332 - Applied Voice (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS131. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS335 - Lyric Scenes Workshop (3 cr.)

Emphasis on preparation of songs, ensembles and scenes from the lyric stage, with a focus on musical theater, opera and operetta repertoire. Exploration of basic acting principles from the perspective of the musical score and libretto. Application of scene study, score study, and vocal technique to inform the performer's musical/dramatic interpretation. Public performance of staged "workshop" scenes. May be repeated once for credit. (Winter/Spring/Summer). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: previous choral or vocal coursework is recommended. Audition required. POI.

MUS341 - Applied String Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS141. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS342 - Applied String Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS141. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS351 - Applied Percussion (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS151. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS352 - Applied Percussion (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS151. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS361 - Applied Woodwind Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS161. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS362 - Applied Woodwind Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS161. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS371 - Applied Brass Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS171 course description. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS372 - Topics: Applied Brass Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS171. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS381 - Applied Piano (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS181. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS382 - Applied Piano (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS181. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS383 - Piano Class II (0 to 3 cr.)

Group instruction on the piano at the intermediate level, further development of music reading, music theory knowledge and performance techniques, study of important composers of piano music, including women composers. There will be one public performance at semester's end. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: MUS283 or POI.

MUS391 - College Chorale (1 cr.)

Large mixed chorus dedicated to developing a high level of individual and group musicianship, individual and group performance expertise, and performance of repertoire of the highest calibre. Activities include development of singing and sight-reading skills, and discussion of composers and works performed. This course may be repeated up to eight times for credit. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts.

MUS392 - Sinfonia (1 cr.)

A string ensemble dedicated to the development of individual and group musicianship. Through individual practice outside of class, students achieve a degree of self-reliance which enables them to strengthen cooperative work skills in class rehearsals. Rehearsals will include discussion of rehearsal skills, practice methods, interpretation, and the style of the composer. This course may be repeated up to eight times for credit. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: audition required.

MUS393 - College Symphonic Band (0 to 1 cr.)

The primary objective of this course is to prepare music for concert performance. In the process, students develop reading and ensemble skills, technical understanding of music, and gain insight into composers and their works. Open to all members of the campus community. No course prerequisites or audition required, but ability to read music and play a musical instrument is necessary. Maybe repeated up to eight times for credit. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts.

MUS394 - Jazz Ensemble (1 cr.)

The primary objective of this course is to prepare music for concert performance. In the process, students develop reading and ensemble skills, technical understanding of music, and gain insight into composers and their works. Open to all members of the campus community. Ability to read music and audition required. This course may be repeated for up to eight credits. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: audition/POI.

MUS395 - Choral Union (1 cr.)

Classes dedicated to developing a high level of individual and group musicianship, individual and group performance expertise, and performance of the highest caliber repertoire. Activities include development of reading and sight-reading abilities, and discussion of composers and works performed. May be repeated up to eight times for credit. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts.

MUS396 - Applied Composition (title varies) (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS191. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS397 - Cardinal Singers (1 cr.)

Select choral ensemble dedicated to developing a high level of individual and group musicianship, individual, and group performance expertise, and performance of repertoire of the highest caliber. Activities include development of reading and sight-reading abilities, and discussion of composers and works performed. Enrollment by audition only. May be repeated up to eight times for credit. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: audition.

MUS398 - Chamber Ensembles (1 to 3 cr.)

Small ensembles for students with previous experience in woodwind, brass, string and percussion instruments or voice. The ensembles will rehearse and perform chamber repertoire for various combinations of woodwinds, brass, strings, piano, percussion or voice, as determined by the instructor. May be repeated up to eight times for credit. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS399 - Independent Study (1 to 15 cr.)

Project individually arranged by student and faculty sponsor. Requires completion of the Independent Study form and approval by the Faculty Sponsor, Academic Advisor, Department Chair and Academic Dean.

MUS431 - Applied Voice (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS131. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS432 - Applied Voice (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS431. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS441 - Applied String Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS141. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS442 - Applied String Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS441. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS451 - Applied Percussion (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS151. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS452 - Applied Percussion (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS451. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS461 - Applied Woodwind Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS161. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS462 - Applied Music: Woodwind Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS461. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS471 - Applied Brass Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS171. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS472 - Topics: Applied Music: Brass Instruments (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS471. Liberal arts. Prerequisites: POI.

MUS481 - Applied Piano (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS181. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS482 - Applied Piano (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS481. Liberal arts. Prerequisites: POI.

MUS485 - Senior Seminar (3 cr.)

Collaborative design, critique, and completion of individual capstone projects that document creative or scholarly work in or related to music. Group activities in music research, project design, presentation, and evaluation. Final projects must be approved by the teaching faculty. Projects may have a service-learning component. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: Senior standing (or POI); music major, minor, or concentration.

MUS491 - Applied Composition (title varies) (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS191. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS492 - Applied Composition (title varies) (1 to 2 cr.)

Refer to MUS191. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: POI.

MUS495 - Practicum: Music Production (1 to 3 cr.)

Participation in and presentation of a major musical or musical-theatre production. Opportunity to perform on stage, or as accompanying musicians, stage managers, etc. May be repeated for credit. Liberal arts. Prerequisites: POI.

MUS496 - Tutorial in Music Performance (1 to 2 cr.)

Assist in planning, preparation, class demonstration and teaching of performance courses offered in the Music Program. May be repeated only once for credit. (Fall/Spring). Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, permission of supervising instructor and chairperson, a minimum GPA of 2.85.

MUS499 - Independent Study (1 to 15 cr.)

Project individually arranged by student and faculty sponsor. Requires completion of the Independent Study form and approval by the Faculty Sponsor, Academic Advisor, Department Chair and Academic Dean.

MUS599 - Music Independent Study (1 to 15 cr.)

Project individually arranged by student and faculty sponsor. Requires completion of the Independent Study form and approval by the Faculty Sponsor, Academic Advisor, Department Chair and Academic Dean.

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